Red Sox designate outfielder Grady Sizemore

The move comes as Sizemore, the former Cascade High star, struggles after injuries sidelined him between September 2011 and this season. He made the All-Star team three times with the Cleveland Indians then had seven operations since 2009, including surgery on both knees, his back and elbow.

Sizemore was only 20 plate appearances from a bonus that would have paid him $250,000 for every 25 plate appearances from 225-500. He was a little more than a week away from receiving another $250,000 bonus for spending 90 days on the major-league roster. If he clears waivers, the Red Sox could keep him in the minors, but it remains to be seen if the 31-year-old Sizemore would prefer to take that route over seeking for another major-league job.

• Oakland starting left-hander Drew Pomeranz broke his right hand when he punched a chair Monday night after a 14-8 loss to the Texas Rangers. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.

“I just let my emotions take over me, and I did something stupid,” Pomeranz said. “It sucks. Obviously, I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

• Not since 2003, has Kansas City been in first place this late in the season, and try as he might, manager Ned Yost couldn’t totally downplay the achievement. He just wants it kept in perspective. “It’s nice. We’ve got a lot of games to play. We don’t get all geeked up,” Yost said. “It’s better than the alternative, trust me.”

The Royals displaced the Detroit Tigers atop the AL Central on Tuesday night with an 11-4 victory, their ninth in a row.